Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan calls on Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky and to restart direct negotiations in Istanbul on May 15, emphasizing the urgent need to end the devastating conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.

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Türkiye Is Ready To Host Negotiations Between Russia and Ukraine, Erdogan Says

In a critical development amid the protracted Ukraine conflict, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to not miss the “window of opportunity” for peace talks scheduled for May 15 in Istanbul. Erdogan expressed Turkey’s readiness to host and facilitate the negotiations, signaling a hopeful step toward diplomatic resolution after years of devastating warfare.

Erdogan’s proactive stance highlights Turkey’s unique position as a mediator trusted by both Moscow and Kyiv. By offering Istanbul as neutral ground, Erdogan aims to foster a conducive environment for dialogue. He stressed that a complete ceasefire is essential to create the conditions necessary for fruitful negotiations and reiterated Turkey’s commitment to supporting every stage of the peace process.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed resuming direct talks without preconditions, scheduled for May 15 in Istanbul. This offer contrasts with Kyiv and Western allies’ demands for a prior 30-day ceasefire. Putin emphasized that Russia has never abandoned dialogue, accusing Ukraine of withdrawing from negotiations in 2022. The Kremlin’s openness to talks reflects a strategic push for a long-term peace agreement rather than a temporary truce.

🇷🇺🇹🇷 Presidents Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke over the phone on resuming direct talks between Russia and Ukraine.@RTErdogan expressed his support for Russia's initiative and emphasised his willingness to provide a venue in Istanbul.https://t.co/CYrMZ72ebH pic.twitter.com/GrzjpHdOfq

— MFA Russia 🇷🇺 (@mfa_russia) May 11, 2025

Zelensky’s Conditional Acceptance and Diplomatic Pressures

Ukrainian President Zelensky has accepted the invitation to meet Putin in Turkey but insists on a full ceasefire as a prerequisite for meaningful dialogue. His position underscores the complexity of the negotiations, as Kyiv seeks security guarantees amid ongoing hostilities. Zelensky’s readiness to engage in talks, however, marks a significant diplomatic opening, encouraged by Erdogan’s mediation and international calls for peace.

The proposed talks come at a time of heightened geopolitical tension, with Western powers maintaining sanctions on Russia and pressuring Ukraine to condition negotiations on a ceasefire. Meanwhile, Turkey’s balanced approach and Russia’s willingness to engage without preconditions challenge the prevailing Western narrative, offering a potential path to de-escalation. This scenario aligns with left-wing critiques of Western interventionism, advocating for diplomacy over prolonged conflict.

This historic moment in Istanbul could mark a turning point in the Ukraine conflict if all parties commit to genuine dialogue. Erdogan’s mediation underscores the importance of regional actors in facilitating peace, while the international community watches closely for progress toward ending one of the most destructive wars of the 21st century.

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